PreOwned Car Auctions FAQ
What are the benefits of buying in a GSA pre owned car and Fleet vehicle auction?
According to the government, GSA auctions offer preowned cars, trucks and other vehicles with low miles and only one previous owner. These vehicles have been well maintained. Their vehicles are carefully detailed before sale and come loaded with most options consumers typically prefer. Additionally, with no buyer's fees, pre owned cars and vehicles from GSA usually sell for substantially less than from other sources.
How do I register for an auction?
You must register at the sponsoring auction facility on the day of inspection or auction to obtain a bidder's number.
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Who is eligible to purchase GSA pre owned cars and vehicles?
Any member of the public who is a licensed driver and at least 18 years of age is eligible to bid at GSA auctions. GSA employees and members of their immediate households, and auction contractors, subcontractors, and members of their immediate households are prohibited from buying, directly or indirectly, at a GSA sale. Employees of other government agencies may purchase government property, unless prohibited by their agency regulations.
How much do GSA pre owned cars and vehicles auctions cost to attend?
Zilch. Registration to participate in any GSA vehicle auction is free.
Am I able to purchase a pre owned car or vehicle for someone else?
Yes. To purchase a vehicle on behalf of other parties, you must furnish their Social Security Number or Tax Identification Number. The attending bidder must furnish a letter granting power of attorney to purchase Federal Surplus Property on behalf of the individual or company they represent.
Can I test drive a pre owned vehicle before bidding?
During inspection you can start a vehicle to check the performance of its engine, air conditioning, heater, and other accessories. However, the preowned cars and vehicles must stay parked and cannot be driven.
Does the Government warranty its pre owned vehicles?
GSA Fleet offers to the original purchaser that the property listed in the invitation will conform to its description. However, where applicable, manufacturer's warranties are transferable. Purchasers should contact their vehicle's manufacturer to determine whether its warranty remains in force. The GSA doesn't attest to the condition of vehicles they sell for other Federal agencies, however, known deficiencies will be listed.
How does GSA Fleet determine who is awarded the vehicle?
Each vehicle will be sold to the highest responsive bidder. GSA Fleet reserves the right to reject any or all bids including bids under which a bidder would take unfair advantage of the Government or other bidders.
How many preowned vehicles does GSA Fleet sell, and when?
GSA Fleet sells approximately 35,000 vehicles per year year. Most vehicles will be available between April–September, when a majority of GSA leases expire, but GSA conducts sales throughout the entire year.
Can I refuse a vehicle after my bid was accepted?
No. Successful bidders are contractually bound to pay for and remove their preowned vehicles from the auction facility within the time period specified. Failure to pay for, or take possession of the vehicle within these time frames may subject the buyer to additional fees/penalties as identified in the SF 114C, or any other special terms and conditions of sale.
Are there any hidden charges?
Your accepted bid price represents your total payment, except in those states that require applicable taxes to be paid at the time of sale. There are no added buyer’s fees.
How can I pay for my vehicle?
Accepted forms of payment may include cash, credit card, cashier's check, credit union cashier's check, traveler's check, postal or commercial money order, and properly endorsed Federal, State, or local government checks. Personal or company checks may be accepted if accompanied by a bank guarantee. Check, however, with the auction before the sale to make sure they will accept it. Checks must be made payable to the auction facility.
MasterCard, VISA, American Express, and Discover credit cards are acceptable, subject to verification and approval by the issuing bank. It is recommended that you contact your credit card provider in advance of the sale to pre-authorize what might otherwise be an abnormally large purchase. As a security feature of many credit cards, unusually large purchases, while legitimate and within available credit, may be declined to prevent fraud. A pre-authorizing phone call to your credit card provider may prevent any delays in the processing of your payment.
How do I register my preowned vehicle?
A Government Certificate to Obtain Title (Standard Form 97) and a Purchaser's Receipt will be issued for each motor vehicle sold. SF-97 is evidence of titleability only and should be used by the purchaser to obtain a proper motor vehicle registration for his or her state.
Why does GSA Fleet sell its vehicles?
GSA Fleet maintains most of its vehicles through leasing arrangements. At the conclusion of its lease (typically 3–5 years), GSA Fleet will sell a vehicle in order to finance its automotive fleet purchases.
